New location technology used to help swan in distress at Ulley Country Park

The new technology is called what3words and enables call handlers to pinpoint people’s exact location.

It can be downloaded as an app or information can sent to the what3words browser website.

The technology has divided the globe into 3m by 3m squares and each area has a unique three-word address.

Call handlers can send people who ring them a text message that contains a link to the what3words map, where they can see their location and immediately read the corresponding three-word address.

Last week, officers from Rotherham South Neighbourhood Policing team used what3words to pass on information to the RSPCA.

An officer said: “After a report that a swan was in distress at Ulley Country Park officers attended and were able to pass on information to the RSPCA and an exact location using what3words. 

“The swan has been freed and checked by the experts from the RSPCA and is now happily back on the reservoir.”

The app works offline, so it’s ideal for use in rural areas with unreliable data connection. 

Explaining more about the what3words, Supt Bob Chapman, head of force communications, said: “There are occasions where we get calls from people, who have found themselves in emergency situations with no idea where they are. This technology is a fantastic, additional tool that we can use to quickly and efficiently locate people who need our help.” 

Chris Sheldrick, co-founder and CEO of what3words, said: “Being in need of urgent help and not being able to easily describe where you are can be very distressing for the person involved and a really difficult situation for emergency services.

“Today people nearly always have their phone on them. We need to use the tools at our disposal to improve public services and potentially save lives.” 

For more information visit https://what3words.com.